BIO

Or, as his mom liked to say, Matthew is an award-winning journalist and author. He has reported from four continents, and his stories have appeared on some of the most popular public radio programs in the United States.

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He is the author of six books, including Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip, which was named one of the best books of 2009 by the Washington Post.

In addition to reporting and writing, Matthew has held jobs as a convenience store clerk, a gas station attendant, a Halloween costume salesman, and a proofreader. He also worked in a traveling circus (as a hot dog vendor; no acrobatics involved).

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Matthew holds a degree in folklore from the University of Pennsylvania. His wife, Allyson, is a United States Foreign Service officer. They currently live in Sarajevo with Zaya, purchaser of aforementioned hedgehog with her allowance.